THE PERFECT CAR

The Challenge: take the two most beautiful cars ever made, the sexiest babes on wheels that ever happened to roam the planet, and put them together, literally. If this sounds totally crazy to you, it’s because it is. Nobody attempted something so complicated, before. The technical challenges are enormous even to the most skilled team of mechanics and nobody, it must be said, ever dared to touch these holy icons of design: two sweethearts which rank in the top 5 Car of the Century, a hall of fame where Ferdinand Porsche, no less, figures as the first and foremost Car Engineer of the Century. Citroen DS, designed in 1955 by italian designer and sculptor Flaminio Bertoni, is still considered today the most advanced car ever produced, for the amount of innovation it had in every detail.

The two cars are totally different in weight, shape and dynamics, not to mention horsepower, and you can’t simply cut and glue them together. Nevertheless, we decided to give it a go anyway and, before getting started, we invited for a beer Stewart Johnson, a former engineer from Inter Box Mechanics, and probably one of the most regarded experts in the field. After a quick look at our drawings and scale models, he dryly asked: “where are you going to place the engine?”. Good question, we thought. Carried away by our own enthusiasm, we totally forgot that to fit a Porsche 911 engine into the rear bonnet of a Citroen DS is as easy as squeezing a pumpkin into a pea pod. “If you shift the engine 90° horizontally,” Stewart suggested, “and slide the backseat 10 inches forward, you get enough room. You want a lower center of gravity on a car that’s going to be longer and higher than a regular 911.”. Our question to Stewart Johnson, at that point, was quite obvious: “would you consider to be the project leader?”. Stewart accepted, at one condition: to be the first to drive the 911DS.

Above: the 911 block with its classic ‘flat-chest’ boxer shape: an engineer’s dream and a masterpiece in design. Below: model cars were adopted for an initial assessment of weight’s distribution, aerodynamics and maneuverability. We soon realized, though, the only way to crack down on problems was to go full scale on the real thing.

Above: Jim Lurpak, concept designer at Brandpowder, sketching a first draft for the 911 DS. Jim’s talent has been fundamental in streamlining not only two separate bodies but to harmonize two worlds into one.

Above: 3D was essential to build virtual models of the joining parts. Merging the original shapes of both cars into one was the hardest part. The task was not just technical. We did our best to preserve each car’s distinct, individual personality.

Above: Stewart Johnson, checking the overmatching of the welded parts. This is the only picture where we caught him smiling.

The 911, cut and stripped off everything, waiting for assembly. The body has been painted with a coat of Hempel, anti corrosion primer. In the end, we opted for a custom made aluminum chassis as a flatbed to hold the two cars together.

Above and below: front and rear view of the stunning 911 DS: the first ‘Porsche Citroen’ ever made. Ralph Klein, a British test pilot we called for an opinion, at the end of a full-day drive, couldn’t hold his enthusiasm:”Guys! It’s like I’ve been drinking German Champagne!”.

Above: seen from behind, the 911DS looks rather inconspicuous. Nobody can imagine a turbocharged 3000 cc, 260hp rests under the bonnet. This engine is known for its exhilarating acceleration coupled with challenging handling characteristics and extreme turbo lag. The air cooled system has been replaced with a forced water cooling pipeline. The solution of extra large tyres and an extremely rigid chassis guarantee exceptional stability. At high speed, though, the acoustic comfort is far from the silent luxury of a Citroen DS but this is, after all, a sportscar.

Below: to a less expert eye the front view of 911DS looks just like the original 911. Porsche enthusiasts might be disappointed by the higher windshield, but this was a necessary trade off in order to reach the right attack angle with the Citroen DS’ body part.

Once presented to the press, the 911DS caused a stir. The car has been under the media bull’s eye since day one. Not all the press has been favorable. Quite the opposite: 911DS’ personality is so strong to split opinions in two. Among many enthusiasts (83%) we also accepted a bit of criticism. Below: Car Mag compares, not without a bit of sarcasm, the 911DS to a German Champagne.

This magazine gave us a great idea, so we invited Mrs Angela Merkel and monsieur Francois Hollande to see our car. After all, the 911DS represents the effort of two Countries, a genuine attempt to join their energy and talent into one thing. We hope Germany and France will be inspired by Brandpowder’s story, as a metaphor for a better and greater Europe.

Angela Merkel showed great interest for our project but didn’t like the idea to drive the 911DS: “I’m not much into racing,” she told us. ” This is boys’ stuff.” Francois Hollande couldn’t resist the thrill but didn’t take the driver’s seat. He kindly asked his chauffeur to take him for a short drive around the Hockenheimring circuit. We celebrated the historic moment with a bottle of Keller Riesling 2005. We were delighted to discover, by the way, that Germany produces one of the finest Champagne in the world.

Above: 911DS was awarded Car of the Year 2015 by prestigious German firm Autocult. Two versions have been produced, in limited edition of 333 pieces: 1:43 and 1:18 scale model. They went sold out in two weeks.

Want to know more? Please check ninelevends, Brandpowder’s website entirely dedicated to the project. We are currently looking for an investor who’s interested to own the real thing, a 911DS we are ready to make with custom-made specifications. For more info: postmaster@brandpowder.com

About brandpowder

138 comments

Great stuff. The Porsche team should have thought of this before inventing Panamera….much better this one. And you have the DS trunk much more spacious. Are you planning for the 7 seats diesel version and do you produce original roofbars ? Thanks mate.

So, the DS exist in “station wagon” – it would be funny to set its rear frame on the front of the 911. What could also be fun : front light of the DS21 (not ID), insert in the front of the 911 (with directed headlights, of course).

Frankly, it’s just uglified the gorgeous DS, they should have just used the 911 engine as the weak point of the DS always was the engine and gearbox, their brakes and suspension were always miles ahead of the field, drive train was somewhat out of place in such a sweet riding car.

and our apologies for the late reply. You are not the first to express a negative feedback and for sure you won’t be the last. Our design spurred different reactions and we respect your opinion. You’re right about the engine. Back then, Citroen didn’t want to invest money in a new engine and adapted the Traction Avant’s design that was too weak for the monumental DS.

I can’t wait until the new issue of “car mag” shows up on my doorstep. I’m looking forward to the review of the new Ford Mondeo, which isn’t sold in the U.S. under that nameplate (it’s the Fusion here), even though the accompanying photo is of the Ford Evos concept.

Of course, that is assuming that there’s anything remotely real on this page. If you want to go viral with any modicum of credibility, you have to sweat the details.

It’s a shame it’s not real in some ways, but then again I suppose the grand purpose of creating something like this in actuality would be fairly fruitless. The concept looks quite nice, but awkward – perhaps not as great as the sum of its parts.

Love it the car, incredible quality pictures and I love how you’ve written the story, I just WANT to believe it. Shared the pictures on our facebookpage with a link to this page. Kudos to the geniuses!

Long time Citroeniste here. I rather like it- a definite twist on an old idea. For the engine and driveline, could it be installed to the front? The original DS concept was to have a flat six, so dropping a Porsche motor and trans in up front is not beyond the pale.

electric details are fairly simple in old cars, compared to new ones where electronics command everything, even the driving, like in the case of the last Mercedes S-series and some top BMW prototypes, not to mention the Google self-driving cars we see almost regularly roaming on California roads, with a geek on the passenger seat checking the vehicle’s behavior on a keyboard, probably connected to satellite gps, sensors and mambo-jumbo software.
Our job was complicated on several technical tasks, mostly on matching two design into one, without incurring into something arrogant or ugly. We received contrasting feedback. The purists feel outraged. With reason, probably. But many people gave us a lot of fuel with their enthusiasm and participation. You are one of them. Thanks for writing.

So, no engine details? The original DS was designed with a flat six aircooled engine forward of the massive transaxle with the giant inboard disks. Sadly, the development was not along far enough when production was scheduled, so they stuck the old agricultural four in it, making room for it to stick between the front passengers’ feet. Did Ferry Porsche have a nice boxer six in 1955? If so, it would be great to see it in a cutaway of the DS911.
Thirsting for something really odd? My pages show my Steam Citroen, but I did not realize it was culturally permissible to include Porsche parts.

the Steam Citroen is a masterpiece of poetry and design. It must have been an impossible task, in the beginning. We bow to that. Given the great attention we received for our project, we are going to publish further details soon. Thank you fro writing and sharing your story with us.

thank you for your comment and your smiley. The car engine’s is placed, shifted 90° on the vertical axes, in the rear bonnet. It’s too big to fit in a picture. But the main engine is our enthusiasm and passion, and we hope you had a glimpse at least at this one.
Best from the Brandpowder Team

Guys, do you have eyes?
How did you imagine that will look an elegant body as DS with some wide tires like buldozer tracks? I can tell yo how: Stupid!
Ad how in the name of god you imagine that will look some brushed aluminum, as the rims are, next to chrome details as DS have on handles, lights, windows ornaments and so on? Not to mention the design of those rims. You don’t see that the rear axle is half hidden under cars body? Those spokes are not fitting into that look, it needs some plain design as a disk or much smaller spokes as bycicle has. Not those ugly big ones that are half hidden under body. But after i have seen your choice of combining brushed aluminum with fine chrome details this is a “small detail”.

Your words are like melted iron. They are charged with outraged disgust and disappointment. They reveal your set of values and your sensitivity in aesthetics. We like this passion, the vehemence, even the insults. Yes, we definitely want to hear more people like you. Nasty but honest.
A big hug from all of us.

You have my full admiration for your Renderings. Those show that not only two cars were blended but at least 8: 2 for the front shots, 2 for the rear shots, and another two each for the left and the right side.

Great idea to use Doorhandles with the size of big Cucumbers on the near side. I like the 4 convertible Headrests (DS-sized from the drivers side view, Porsche-sized from the near side) as well as the changeable sets of taillights (Orange/Red and Red) and the to Sets of backup lights. Even the muffler is flippable within its own axis between two Photos, this is awesome too.

The two frames of the rear window should not go unmentioned as well as those of the two front doors…

I could go on like this forever, but I have to get back to my own Photoshop Disasters now – they are waiting to be finalized.

I am sure you will excuse my bad English, as it is of likely quality as your knowledge of these two famous German and French cars.

Never mind the engine, what kind of suspension did you imagine? After all, the DS’s main innovation was the compressed-gas suspension which was invented to drive with acceptable speeds across potholed French roads without being shaken to death. That suspension is not really appropriate for racing Porsche-style.

I suspect we are talking about a ‘racing’ suspension and that alone would make the car into a Porsche that looks a bit like a DS.

for your letter. Porsche did a nice car back then, even if the brand stretch of icons such as 911 gives little room to experiments and fans can be a little stiff in accepting exploration. We love it, anyways. And we love Porsche for being such a respected brand. All the best,

thank you very much for your kind note. It was truly appreciated. We are trying our best in whateverwe do, so it’s a privilege for us to know our work can be inspiring for someone. All the best from all of us.

we like your comment on storytelling and you definitely got it right. You might be surprised to know, on the other hand, we are currently in touch with sponsors who are interested in giving this prototype the chance to come to life. Sometimes the borders between imagination and reality are blurred.

you might be right in what you said, and you’ve got a point on your nice article about the heritage of this beautiful car. Also the Citroen Maserati raised, back in the Seventies, some controversy. Nevertheless, we think it’s still a beautiful, original car. The history of design is also constellated by irreverent and rule-breaking ideas. Thank you fro writing us,